2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Review: Reliable Year For The Strong Full Size SUV

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe can last around 250,000 miles with some minor dashboard and oil consumption problems. At $9,107 to $11,860, it’s a good value for a dependable and capable SUV.

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe a Good Used SUV?

• Yes, 2008 is a good year for the Tahoe. Owner reviews praise the durability, high towing capacity, and the passenger room.
• Interior quality is average compared to other large SUVs, the entry-level models have some cheaper fabric, but overall materials are good, and the technology is above average.
• Reliability ratings are excellent. Avoid models from 2007, and go with a 2008 or newer which have fewer mechanical problems.
• Performance is good from the base V8, but the larger V8 options are a better choice for people that need to tow.
• The 2008 Tahoe is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars overall in government crash tests, but the high suspension gives it 3-stars in the rollover test.
• Fuel economy is worse than average, only getting 16 MPG but the 26 gallon fuel tank gives owners around 416 miles of range.

What Do Critics Say About the Tahoe?

• Consumer Reports says the Tahoe rides comfortably on the highway, and has above-average owner satisfaction scores.
• Edmunds gives the Tahoe a 4.4/5, praising the space for 9 passengers, but Edmunds doesn’t like the very soft suspension.
• Kelley Blue Book users rate the 2008 Tahoe 4.5/5 and enjoy the highway performance, but owners don’t care for the high fuel costs.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Have?

The most common problems found on the 2008 Chevy Tahoe include cracked dashboards, excessive oil consumption, and broken door handles. Overall, these issues are fairly minor compared to other large SUVs from the same year.

Cracked dashboards are the most common complaint from owners at around 95,000 miles. The plastic on the dash cracks as it expands and contracts when exposed to direct sunlight. Replacing the dash costs about $1,000, and some owners install a dash cover for under $100.

Excessive oil consumption is another issue reported by owners at roughly 100,000 miles. Many Tahoe owners simply check the oil regularly and add oil as needed. Some choose to rebuild the engine, which costs about $1,800 for new parts.

Broken door handles are another problem that shows up on 2008 Tahoe models at around 60,000 miles. The plastic linkage between the door handle and latch wears out inside the door. Replacing the handle assembly costs about $300 per door.

There are 4 recalls on the 2008 Tahoe which is better than many rivals. The most serious recall is for the heated windshield washer system, which can increase the chance of a fire.

How Long Will the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Last?

A properly cared for 2008 Chevy Tahoe should last around 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles longer than rivals like the Ford Expedition. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other large SUVs, at $633 per year, according to data from Repair Pal.

Since most 2008 Tahoes will have over 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace items including the oil cooler for $450, brake booster costing $700, and the camshaft position sensor, which costs $170.

How Much Is the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Worth?

Blue book values range from $9,107 to $11,860, making it a few thousand cheaper than a GMC Yukon or Toyota Sequoia. When new, the price range was $34,630 to $39,560. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Tahoe?

There are three models of the Tahoe offered for 2008. The third generation of the Tahoe was launched in 2007, and replaced with a new version in 2015.

LS is the entry-level model with:

• 17-Inch Aluminum Wheels
• Cloth Seating
• Dual-Zone Climate Control
• OnStar
• 8-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System

LT is a step up adding:

• Body-Colored Exterior Trim
• Leather Seating
• OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation
• Remote Vehicle Starter
• 6-CD Stereo System

LTZ is the luxury model and adds:

• 20-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Premium leather Seating
• Heated Front Seats
• Power Liftgate
• Locking Rear Differential
• Rear Air Suspension
• Bose 9-Speaker Premium Stereo System

What Engines Come In the Tahoe?

• The base engine is an average 4.8L V8 which makes 295 horsepower and gets up to 16 MPG combined.
• An available upgrade is the more powerful 5.3L V8 making 320 horsepower and getting up to 16 MPG combined as well.
• The flagship engine is the very strong 6.2L V8 which produces 380 horsepower and gets 14 MPG combined. The towing capacity is up to 8,200 pounds.

What Colors Does the Tahoe Come In?

How Big Is the Tahoe?

The 2008 Chevy Tahoe is a large 3-row SUV, similar in size to the Nissan Armada and Dodge Durango. Passenger space is fantastic throughout the cabin, but the third row seats have to be removed and do not fold flat.

Cargo space is great with 16.9 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 60.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 108.9 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

How Does the Tahoe Compare to the Competition?

The Chevrolet Suburban is another rival from Chevy costing about $1,000 more. Passenger room and cargo space are both better in the Chevy Suburban, but the Chevy Tahoe’s 4WD system is better in the snow. We recommend the Chevy Tahoe unless you need the extra space offered by the Suburban.

The Ford Explorer is a competitor costing about $3,500 less. Interior materials are higher quality in the Ford Explorer, but the Chevy Tahoe has more room and offers better engine choices. We recommend the Chevy Tahoe since there are significantly fewer complaints from owners.

Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Tahoe?